The X Factor finally had its first actual competition show on Wednesday night.

The fours acts from each of the judges performed, not for the viewers votes, but for the judges’ approval. On Thursday night, the mentors will save eight acts while the other eight will perform for their lives – with four of them being eliminated from the competition.

Here’s what I saw and heard on Wednesday night:

Here’s where we find out from hosts Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez about the elimination procedure and the theme for songs on Wednesday night was Made in America.

First up was Demi Lovato’s Paige Thomas. They certainly aren’t holding back on the theatrics or the spectacle part of the show. It actually had me a bit worried it would be a battle to see which mentor could out-do the other with pageantry (My concern was eased a few acts into the show). It was a good start to the show although I wasn’t blown away by Paige’s singing.

Britney Spears’ Arin Ray, the oldest of her young group and a returning competitor. Arin has a good look to become a star. It almost seemed lip-synched to me. Way too much production.

L.A. Reid’s David Correy. He’s a great singer. Way too much going on in the background – it was really distracting.

Simon Cowell’s country group Sister C. They definitely have the look to win fans over. Finally a toned down performance, just about their voices. Pure country voices.

Demi’s Jennel Garcia. Great voice even though I didn’t like the song choice. She has a shot at winning. Mentors were gushing over her.

Britney’s Diamond White, the first of her three 13-year-olds. Great, powerful voice for a 13-year-old. The first part of the song didn’t do her justice.

L.A.’s Vino Alan. I like his down-to-earth style. Really didn’t like the song choice – second half was much better.

Simon’s Lyric 145. I’m not a rap fan and after that I’m still not. They do work well together after being put together following boot camp.

Demi’s CeCe Frey. I really don’t like her Diva attitude. Great voice, but a real lack of stage personality for me.

L.A.’s Tate Stevens. Now he’s country through and through. He won’t win votes for stage performance but he can sure sing. Country fans could bring him a long way.

Britney’s Beatrice Miller. She hasn’t been the standout 13-year-old yet but she can sure sing. A really nice scaled back performance. Some of her notes were amazing.

L.A.’s Jason Brock. L.A. calls him Mr. Entertainment – not on Wednesday night. Sounded way over the top and too much screaming.

Simon’s 1432 (I Love You Too). These five girls that were put together by the mentors could end up with a recording deal if they stick around a little while – their voices really work well together. Wasn’t their best, but passable. L.A. really critical, but it seems that he and Simon are just being that way to each other for ratings – it just looks too obvious.

Demi’s low-voiced country crooner Willie Jones. I really like him and it was a better stage performance than I expected. Simon thought it was silly, but Demi would hear nothing of it and really fought back.

Britney’s Carly Rose Sonenclar, one of my favorites to win. I get goosebumps when she sings, sounds like a seasoned veteran. I loved it and she’s going to be a star.

Simon’s Emblem3. These three brothers have had some up-and-down performances, but when they are committed it is out of this world good. They really play to the crowd and had the judges gushing on Wednesday night.

If I had to choose the four acts to be eliminated, and it was one from each category, here’s the way I would go: Arin Ray, Paige Thomas, Lyric 145, Jason Brock. If it doesn’t have to be from one group I would eliminate Vino Alan instead of Lyric 145.

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